Riserva Carmenère (2014)

About this wine

The 2014 Riserva Carménère from Haras de Pirque showcases a deep violet hue, characteristic of wines from Chile's Maipo Valley. On the nose, it presents rich aromas of black fruits, green tobacco, and spices, reflecting the region's terroir. The palate is soft and juicy, with a pleasant balance and subtle hints of dark chocolate. This wine is a fine example of Carménère, a grape that found a new home in Chile after being nearly extinct in its native Bordeaux. The Maipo Valley's unique climate and soil contribute to the wine's distinctive profile, making it a noteworthy choice for enthusiasts seeking to explore Chilean reds.

About the grape

Carmenère, originally from Bordeaux, France, was nearly wiped out in Europe by the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. Unbeknownst to many, it had been brought to Chile in the mid-1800s, where it thrived under the mistaken identity of Merlot. In 1994, French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot identified these vines as the long-lost Carmenère. Since then, Chile has embraced Carmenère as its signature grape, with regions like the Maipo Valley cultivating it to produce distinctive wines.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2014 Riserva Carmenère from Haras de Pirque showcases the unique terroir of the Maipo Valley, offering a rich expression of the region's characteristics.
• 🏔️ Haras de Pirque's vineyards are situated at elevations between 550 and 660 meters above sea level, benefiting from the Maipo Valley's favorable climatic and geographic conditions.
• 🐎 The winery's architecture is horseshoe-shaped, paying homage to its origins as a thoroughbred horse-breeding farm established in 1892.
• 🌱 Carménère, the grape variety used in this wine, was once thought extinct after the phylloxera plague in Europe but was rediscovered in Chile in 1994, where it thrives today.
• 🍫 The 2014 vintage of this wine is noted for its dark, intensely violet color and aromas of fresh green tobacco and spices, with a soft, juicy palate and hints of dark chocolate.

Palate profile

Producer

Haras de Pirque, located in Chile's Maipo Valley, was originally established in 1892 as a thoroughbred horse breeding farm. In 1991, Chilean entrepreneur Eduardo Matte transformed the estate into a winery, planting vineyards in 1992. The winery's unique horseshoe-shaped design pays homage to its equestrian heritage and facilitates a gravity-fed winemaking process. In 2017, the renowned Italian wine family Marchesi Antinori acquired full ownership, further enhancing the estate's commitment to producing high-quality organic wines.